Guiding Principles

Our Guiding Principles Are

Humanity

We treat people the way they’d like to be treated, modeling authenticity, transparency, courtesy, respect and humility.

Excellence

In business, quality, craftsmanship, guest service and athletic achievement.

Sustainability

Of people, profits, the environment and the community so that we are in business forever.

Passion

We live our core values and embrace life-long learning and meaningful work.

From Mike KaplaN, President & CEO

From Mike KaplaN, President & CEO

"Our Guiding Principles are not simply words on paper, or a mission statement to be stowed in a desk drawers. They inform what we do every day, and more importantly why we do it, why we come to work here and give so much of ourselves. We are here to change people’s lives for the better, both during their stay and well after they have gone home. The ripple effect of sharing our way of life is powerful and requires our constant respect and humility. This is why I ask our employees to own these values; to take responsibility for bringing them to life. This dedication to the Aspen Idea and our core principles of humanity, excellence, sustainability and passion is what makes us unique and such a rewarding place to be.”

From Mike KaplaN, President & CEO

From Mike KaplaN, President & CEO

"Our Guiding Principles are not simply words on paper, or a mission statement to be stowed in a desk drawers. They inform what we do every day, and more importantly why we do it, why we come to work here and give so much of ourselves. We are here to change people’s lives for the better, both during their stay and well after they have gone home. The ripple effect of sharing our way of life is powerful and requires our constant respect and humility. This is why I ask our employees to own these values; to take responsibility for bringing them to life. This dedication to the Aspen Idea and our core principles of humanity, excellence, sustainability and passion is what makes us unique and such a rewarding place to be.”

Our employees are committed to the following Principles:

Be fair and understanding; treat everyone with courtesy and respect

Communicate honestly, openly and often

Share a passion for excellence

Engage as responsible citizens of our community

Ensure our financial success

Aspen Skiing Company is values-driven, owned and operated by people who share a common appreciation and respect for the pristine environment in which we live.

Guiding Principles in Action

Practice values-based leadership with authenticity and transparencyAspen Skiing Company restaurants switched to antibiotic and hormone free local beef despite added cost that was not passed on to guests. Created new 360 degree feedback program for all salaried employees – starting with senior staff - and implemented a mentoring program to help employee development.

Promote physical and emotional wellnessEach year, Aspen Skiing Company uses its money, time and influence to build a stronger community. Last year we donated $2 million to support child care, health care, education, the environment and athletics. We fought reductions in school funding; spent another 1,000 hours volunteering on trails, playgrounds and housing; and continued to provide one of the best health plans in the valley.

Deliver exemplary hospitality and superior guest serviceCompleted installation of convenient radio frequency lift access across four mountains. Installed “direct to lift” technology that allows pass-holders to bypass ticket offices; implemented a resort-charge program that lets guests use their ticket or pass to bill lessons, food, or equipment directly to their credit card. Acquisition of the Limelight Hotel added mid-range luxury to our lodging portfolio.

Be stewards of and advocates for the environmentAspen Skiing Company allocated more than $1 million towards large-scale, energy-saving measures like new boilers at The Little Nell and several other lodges; improved snowmaking efficiency through advanced pumps and guns; and continued to implement industry-leading policies like a new ban on incandescent light bulbs. We made public comments on oil-shale development and backed local clean-energy projects like Castle Creek Hydro. Harvard Business School developed a classroom case study based on our work.

Ensure our financial successWe built on a successful extended season at Highlands, generating not just revenue but good will, national press coverage, and community spirit. In a time of energy price spikes and volatility, Aspen Skiing Company hedged fuel purchases through 2013 and continued aggressive efficiency programs that cut Aspen Skiing Company energy use approximately 5% in fiscal 2010.